We already thought the CLA and A-Class was Merc’s entry-level miniature saloon/sedan offering, or as the Americans say “bubble gum” cars which is such an accurate description. For once… bravo Americans, bravo. Nevertheless, Mercedes want to get traction in a declining US market share by introducing a new “bubble gum” car. The justification is based on the recent Concept A Sedan, Mercedes believe that by offering better design younger buyers will be tempted to buy such a car. If Mercedes were to make the A Class saloon/sedan it will cost under $30,000 in the US market. But what we don’t understand is what is wrong with the CLA? The answer may well be that the CLA doesn’t sell in large quantities whereas the A-Class does so offering an A Class based derivative in the form of a saloon should peak demand. That’s the theory but in practice, it’s going to be difficult, small “bubble-gum” European cars do not sell very well in the US. The A Class doesn’t even feature in a list of top 10 cars sold in the US. So why all the confidence from Mercedes? In term of vehicle sales, they are at the top of the list in the US market with 34k units sold in November 2017 alone. However, the best selling European car in the US in 2016 was the compact VW Jetta which retails from $18k and up to £30k. Now the A Class sedan begins to make sense right? No, it doesn’t because the CLA sedan is already a sub $30k sub-compact car… we’re confused…